government action on climate change

Sustainable transportation strategy

Transportation enables us to do the activities we need and want to do. It is essential to our quality of life, economic progress, and overall health. But our current patterns of transportation and land use development, designed around the personal vehicle, are creating problems for our health and environment – and our pocket books. Learn more about the opportunity and strategy.

municipal climate change action plan

As a requirement for the 2010-14 Federal Gas Tax Extension Agreement and the Municipal Funding Agreements (MFAs), municipalities will be required to prepare and submit to Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (SNSMR) a Municipal Climate Change Action Plan (MCCAP) by December 31, 2013.

This landmark legislation imposes aggressive targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, along with a wide range of measures to promote renewable energy, improved air and water quality, and the protection of ecosystems. The Act is evidence that Nova Scotians take climate change seriously and are willing to take action.

adaptation clearinghouse launched

A new section on the Climate Change Directorate's website has been added, providing climate information and tools that will help Nova Scotians prepare for a changing climate. The Adaptation Clearinghouse provides historical climate trends and future projections for Nova Scotia; information on climate impacts in Nova Scotia by sector; research reports and project case studies and more.

Efficiency Nova Scotia launched

Efficiency Nova Scotia is a new, non-profit energy efficiency corporation, independent and dedicated to helping you—Nova Scotian families and businesses—reduce your power use and lower your energy bills. Efficiency Nova Scotia was established by legislation in 2009 to be independent of both government and Nova Scotia Power. Find out more about their energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses at efficiencyns.ca

water for life: Nova Scotia's Water Resource Management Strategy

In December 2010, Nova Scotia announced the release of a new strategy to guide the management of water for the benefit of communities, businesses, industries, First Nations, and individuals. Water for Life proposes actions under the following four areas: integrated water management; understand the quality and quantity of our water; protect the quality and quantity of our water; and engage in caring for our water.

To learn more about the new water strategy, including background information and what we heard at the public consultations, please visit the Water for Life homepage.

jobsHERE: the plan to grow our economy

In 2010, Nova Scotia released a new economic growth strategy. jobsHere focuses on three key priorities: growing the economy through innovation; helping businesses compete; and learning the right skills for good jobs. Each priority is supported by several new and existing programs and initiatives.

jobsHere is a product of consultations with numerous stakeholders, including local businesses, industry associations, economic council and Donald Savoie, who wrote a report about improving economic development in Nova Scotia.

Find out more about the implemention plan and existing incentives at the jobsHERE homepage.

Renewable Electricity Plan

Released in April 2010, Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan sets out a detailed program to move Nova Scotia away from carbon-based electricity towards greener, more local sources. Nearly 90 per cent of the province's electricity supply currently comes from fossil fuels—most of it coal. This over-reliance on a single fuel source drains wealth away from the province and has a negative impact on both our health and our environment. By 2015, 25% of Nova Scotia's electricity will be supplied by renewable energy sources.

For more information on Nova Scotia's new renewable electricity regulations and new feed-in tariffs, please visit: www.nsrenewables.ca.

Greenhouse Gas & air pollutant regulation

The Climate Change Action Plan calls for reductions in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions. On August 14, 2009 Nova Scotia released the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations under the Province’s Environment Act thereby establishing absolute GHG emission caps on the electricity sector. In addition, amendments were made to the Air Quality Regulations to set new, tighter limits on Nova Scotia Power Inc., sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions for 2015 and 2020.

Nova Scotia's Climate Change Action Plan

We know we can't reach our climate change target without serious action. That's why the Government of Nova Scotia developed a Climate Change Action Plan. It outlines what we will do to meet our target to be leaders in climate change. We have a responsibility to take action to address a global problem.

The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia to at least 10% below 1990 levels by 2020. The Climate Change Action Plan is a roadmap to help Nova Scotia reach this target. It contains achievable actions to which we can all contribute.

Smart energy choices are essential to achieving these targets. They will help determine the future prosperity of our children and grandchildren. The 2009 Energy Strategy is led by the Department of Energy. It makes deliberate, practical choices and targeted investments to protect our environment, build a strong, sustainable economy, and help Nova Scotians adjust to rapid change.

EcoNova Scotia

To help achieve the goals set in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act, Nova Scotia administers a $42.5 million ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and Climate Change fund that supports projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollution. ecoNova Scotia currently funds 69 projects and programs. This funding was provided by the Government of Canada in 2007 with the final call for applications accepted until January 31, 2010. ecoNova Scotia encourages opportunities for Nova Scotians, by Nova Scotians (see the Municipal Program or the Environmental Technology Program for more information). The final round of ecoNova Scotia grants were awarded in spring 2010.